Chapter 9

"Steady...?"

I said, looking at Camilla.

Camilla Bolfilé.

The villainess who appears when I choose a different path from becoming the villainess—the path of the Crown Prince.

In the game, Fiona and Camilla had no connection. They were the villainesses in their respective paths, so they never crossed paths.

However, this is a single world where paths don't matter. Both Camilla and Fiona exist in the same timeline.

As high-ranking nobles, they should often attend the same parties. So, it's only natural that I would meet Camilla here.

But, to be honest, Camilla was a popular figure in society, and I was the one everyone disliked. We barely interacted, only exchanging greetings.

However, the fact that Camilla spoke to me suggests that I must have been particularly noticeable to her.

Camilla, as befitting a villainess, had several followers trailing behind her. She was at the top of society, so it was natural for her to have followers.

Camilla glanced at me. Just that glance made me tense, which is what you'd expect from a villainess.

"Do you understand what I mean?"

I could guess what Camilla was getting at.

"Always a stern expression, unlike a noble lady. You never stay for the entire event. You're also harsh with the servants."

Ugh, she's been watching closely...

Indeed, that's how I've been.

I didn't have the energy to smile because I was always unwell, and I couldn't stay at parties for long, so I always left early. Also, while I didn't yell at the servants like the game's Fiona, I certainly didn't treat them kindly. When you're unwell, you don't have the energy to be considerate of others.

Camilla pointed at me with her fan.

"You are the next Duchess. Is it appropriate for you to act this way?"

As if waiting for Camilla to finish, her followers started to chatter.

"That's right! It's not fitting for the Crown Prince's fiancée!"

A girl with black hair said.

"You don't seem like a Countess's daughter."

A girl with brown hair said.

"It's presumptuous for you to even be here."

A girl with blonde hair said.

I don't want to be a Duchess...

I thought that in my heart, but saying it now would only make things worse.

As a former Japanese salaryman, I know how to handle such situations.

"I'm sorry, Lady Camilla."

I bowed to Camilla.

"I know I need to improve... but..."

I tried to make my eyes look as watery as possible.

"I was born with a weak constitution... When I'm unwell, my face unconsciously looks stern... I want to deepen my relationships with everyone, but it's difficult for me to attend parties for long periods..."

I sniffled.

"Do you really expect me to believe that?"

But it didn't work on Camilla.

I've used this method to deal with many abusive bosses before...

By the way, it was more effective when there were more people around.

Why isn't it working now...? I suddenly realized.

Right, I forgot.

I'm the one everyone dislikes.

Even if I cry a little, no one will care, and they might even find my tears annoying. Camilla and her followers all had stern expressions.

Even the onlookers, whom I hoped might support me, decided to just watch.

With no one on my side, those criticizing me became even more heated.

"That's right! I can't believe that!"

"It's just an excuse."

"Know your shame at this point."

Camilla's followers, like fish in water, started to chatter. They knew when to be noisy and when to be quiet, which made me admire their skill.

Camilla gave me a disbelieving look.

"You've never said this before. It's strange for you to suddenly bring it up."

In response to Camilla's sharp comment, I continued my crying act while explaining. Stopping now would only invite more criticism.

"I didn't want anyone's sympathy... It's my silly pride. But I realized that if I don't speak honestly, I'll be a burden to everyone in the future."

I pleaded with my tearful eyes, but of course, Camilla didn't soften her gaze.

"If you're really unwell, shouldn't your fiancé, Louis, be worried and by your side? You're always alone, aren't you?"

That's because of my pride and our poor relationship.

"That's—"

"Excuse me."

How should I explain?

Just as I was thinking about it, someone stepped between Camilla and me.

I could only see their back, but there was no mistaking that silver hair.

It was Louis.

"What's wrong with my fiancée?"

Camilla's body trembled for a moment, but as a true villainess, she didn't flinch. She hid her mouth with her fan and shifted her gaze from me to Louis.

"I had some concerns about Lady Fiona's behavior, so I gave her a bit of advice."

"Concerns?"

Camilla glanced at me.

"She always leaves parties early and her attitude is not what I would expect from a noble lady. I was just offering advice as a fellow noble lady."

"I see."

Louis turned to me slightly.

"I'll also keep an eye on her as her fiancé. Is that acceptable?"

"Always absent, aren't you, Louis?"

She was indirectly saying he was useless.

Even with Louis there, Camilla, the villainess, didn't flinch and remained strong.

"I'll try to be by her side more often. I'll fulfill my role as a fiancé, so you won't have to trouble yourselves."

Louis looked at Camilla directly.

"...I see. Understood."

Despite her initial resistance, Camilla stepped back in the face of Louis's firm stance.

Then, Camilla gave me a slight bow.

"I have nothing more to say. I will take my leave. If you are truly unwell, Lady Fiona, please don't overexert yourself."

"Thank you for your concern."

The "truly" part clearly conveyed her doubt, but with Louis there, Camilla couldn't interfere further.

Even if she was concerned, the main parties were Louis and me, and she was just an outsider.

Camilla and her followers left the scene.

The onlookers, who had been watching, lost interest and moved to other areas.

Left behind were just Louis and me.

I looked up at Louis's back.

—Could he have been protecting me?

Even if he wasn't, considering the timing, he must have been.

"Louis"

I needed to thank him.

I called out to Louis, and he turned around, frowning.

"Why are you alone?"

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